Our 10 Favorite 80's Metal Music Videos // Rock of Aging // Headbangers Ball

In this episode of Rock of Aging, we crank the volume and fire up the TV for a celebration of our favorite 1980s metal music videos. Back when MTV ruled the culture, videos weren’t just promotion—they were events. Bigger hair, louder guitars, cinematic concepts, wild performances, and enough smoke machines to fill an arena.

Dave and Erika each count down the videos that defined the era for them—from arena-ready anthems and sleaze-soaked party clips to dark, dramatic epics and pure headbanging chaos. We talk about which bands understood the power of image, which videos still hold up today, and how visual style helped turn hard rock and metal bands into larger-than-life icons.

We each picked our five favorites -- and we had only one overlap! Can you guess which video?

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about a recent box set from the 80s band, Hüsker Dü. The collection, 1985: The Miracle Year, features professionally captured live recordings from this legendary band from throughout 1985. For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she brings us back to 1980s basement culture. If you had a basement in the 80s, you were no doubt camped out down there every Saturday night for Headbanger's Ball

Against The 90's Episode 3: "Lost" Albums from the 90s // Albums That Deserved More Love

Welcome to the third episode of the newest podcast from The Dark Stuff, Against The 90's. This is a show about 90s music from people who lived the decade—bought the records, watched the videos, went to the shows, and fell hard for the music. Each episode reexamines the music of the 90s by spotlighting the artists, albums, and movements that actually mattered—across alternative, rock, indie, and beyond.

For the new episode, Marq and Dave are discussing some "lost" albums of the 90s. Our definition of a lost album is one from an artist who never got their due. Never got the attention they deserved, nor the accolades for such fine work. There are million of these kinds of albums, we have each chosen three.

We discuss: The Fatima Mansions, Brenda Kahn, MC 900 Ft. Jesus, Pulsars, The Mommyheads, Overwhelming Colorfast

Rock of Aging Talks The Big 4 of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax // metal (VIDEO)

 

In this episode of Rock of Aging, we are talking about the harder side of 80's metal! Erika and Dave debate The Big 4 of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Let's just say that we don't see eye to eye on this part of the 80s metal scene.

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about a new band from Ireland called SPRINTS who has just released an EP called 'Trickle Down.' For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she sums up how she sees the differences between the Hollywood glam scene and the heavier, thrash scene.

The Dark Stuff Wednesdays: What I’m Listening To This Week

Hey everyone, and welcome to the new video. Today is Wednesday, and this is the inaugural "What Am I Listening To, Wednesday?" I have four, fantastic new releases to discuss.

Suitor: https://suitor.bandcamp.com/album/saw-you-out-with-the-weeds-2

Cootie Catcher: https://cootiecatcher69.bandcamp.com/

Softcult: https://softcult.band/

Hair Person: https://hairperson.bandcamp.com/album/dorsia

Ace Frehley vs. Richie Sambora: The Ultimate Rock of Aging Homework Showdown!

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika are going back to school! In a sense, anyway. We have both been given our homework assignments!

Erika has assigned Dave Richie Sambora's 'Stranger In This Town.' This 1991 album was the first solo LP from the Bon Jovi guitarist and songwriter.

Dave has assigned Erika Ace Frehley's 'Frehley's Comet.' The 1987 record was the first post-KISS release from the former guitar legend from Kiss.

For Dave's (not so) Deep Dive, he is talking about a new single from Def Leppard that features some decades old guitar tracks. And in Erika's Atmosphere Check, she offers up a contrast between the years of these two albums' release: 1987 and 1991.

Against The 90's Episode 2: 90s Artists Who Became Rock’s New Legacy Acts (VIDEO)

Welcome to the second episode of the newest podcast from The Dark Stuff, Against The 90's. This is a show about 90s music from people who lived the decade—bought the records, watched the videos, went to the shows, and fell hard for the music. Each episode reexamines the music of the 90s by spotlighting the artists, albums, and movements that actually mattered—across alternative, rock, indie, and beyond.

For the new episode, Marq and Dave wrestle with the idea that much of that cool, cutting edge, underground music we loved in the 90s, is now...classic rock. Yes, that's right. Nineties artists are now legacy artists. Many are among the country's top touting attractions -- selling out festivals coast to coast. For others, their vinyl reissues and box sets are among the best sellers in record stores

We each chose five 90s artists that are still big sellers and/or big concert draws on the festival circuit. These are, by no means, all of them. But many of these will surprise you!

The 80's Hard Rock & Metal Bands We've Seen Live The Most! (VIDEO)

 

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika are talking live shows. Which 80's metal and hard rock bands have we seen the most times in concert? Club shows, theater shows, arena shows, stadium shows, festivals -- they all count!

We both have a lengthy history of seeing concerts, beginning in the early 1980s. But who have we seen the most times over the years? Specifically, which hard rock and metal bands have we seen the most amount of times?

Who have you seen the most? Leave it in the comments!

Also in this episode, we have Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive. This time around, he will be discussing the album "Turn-Ons" by the band, The Hotrats. Erika's Atmosphere Check will take us back to 1980s pre-concert prep -- locking down the right clothes & the right look. What about transportation? Who's driving? Are we even old enough to drive?

Interview with HAIR PERSON: NEW Music From a Band You Need To Hear! (VIDEO)

On this episode, I am interviewing an excellent, new band called Hair Person. The band has just released its debut album, Dorsia. Hair Person is an electronic duo consisting of Sara Bertuldo (vocals, synths) and Erin Feichtinger (drums). The band's sound is a potent mix of dark, 80s and 90s synth music with pop song sensibilities. 

Folks mighty know Sara from her lengthy experience in the Omaha music scene - including being in the bands See Through Dresses and Millions of Boys. With this new project, Sara has moved to synths, and is the sole lead singer. Erin has been playing for a few years, but this is actually her first band.

Our Favorite "Lost" 80's Hard Rock and Metal Albums (That Deserved Better) (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika discuss their favorite "lost" 80s hard rock/heavy metal albums. Our definition of a lost album is either one by an unknown band that seemed to have major potential, but was ultimately ignored, OR an album from a more established band that failed to live up to the commercial standards of past releases. We have some of both.

We'll be discussing lost albums from Lillian Axe, Bang Tango, Sea Hags, Blue Öyster Cult, Bad Company, and Richie Sambora.

REVIEW: Slim Dunlap (The Replacements) 'Every Little Word' NEW 2CD Collection (VIDEO)

 On this episode, I am reviewing the brand new, 2 disc collection from former Replacements' guitarist, Bob "Slim" Dunlap, called 'Every Little Word.'

The set includes remastered versions of Slim's two solo album, The Old New Me and Times Like This, as well as 22 bonus tracks. The bonus material consist of studio outtakes from his solo album sessions, live recordings, and some of Slim's earliest known recordings ranging from 1978-1986.

This is as definitive a collection as one can get from Slim Dunlap.

Back When Videos Meant Everything: The Rise (and Fall) of MTV: Rock of Aging (VIDEO)

 In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika rewind to the glory days of MTV, when music videos weren’t optional, they were everything. Before streaming, before algorithms, before phones in our pockets, MTV told us what mattered — what to wear, how bands looked, and which artists became legends.

We dig into how music videos transformed songs into visual events, turned musicians into larger-than-life icons, and reshaped rock culture forever. From late-night video marathons to world premieres that stopped time, MTV didn’t just play music — it created mythology.

This is a love letter to the era when image, attitude, fashion, and sound collided… and rock was never the same.

Juliana Hatfield – Lightning Might Strike | Album Review (VIDEO)

 

On this episode, I'm diving deep into Lightning Might Strike, the newest album from Juliana Hatfield — an artist whose voice, songwriting, and emotional directness have been a constant thread through alternative rock (and my record collection) for decades.

From moments of sharp power-pop punch to quieter, more vulnerable reflections, Lightning Might Strike feels both deeply personal and unmistakably current.

Juliana Hatfield has never chased trends—and that’s exactly why her music continues to matter. Lightning Might Strike proves that honesty, hooks, and emotional clarity don’t age out.

Joey's Song Festival Review: Garbage, Go-Go's, Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls + More Unite to Fight Epilepsy (VIDEO)

On this episode, I am reviewing my recent road trip to Madison, WI to see the Joey's Song Freezing Man Festival 2026. Joey's Song is a charity that raises money for juvenile epilepsy research and holds an annual music festival to raise money. Find out more: Joeyssong.org .

This was my second year in attendance. For 2026, the festival focused more on the "all-star jam" concept as opposed to having artists come up and play a dedicated set. Members of Garbage, The Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls, The Go-Go's, Belly, Big Star, Letters To Cleo, Soul Asylum, Silversun Pickups, Eve 6, Guns N Roses, Tears For Fears, and more were in attendance.

Matt Pinfield (former MTV VJ) was the emcee for the festival. Matt was on my return flight, and I was able to confirm with him that he plans to be at next year's festival, too.

SNOWMEN: The Band You Need to Hear Right Now | Interview + Stories (VIDEO)

Today's video is my interview with the excellent New York City rock band SNOWMEN.

After forming at the beginning of 2024, the band gained a fair amount of notoriety from a handful of viral clips of their debut single, "You Can't Relate." The clips increased the band's profile from that of a local band to one with a national audience. New singles were released throughout 2025.

The band's sound is potent mix of punk, post-punk, 80s new wave, prog rock, and 2000s indie rock. SNOWMEN has just released its debut album, A Kick to the Face, and has its debut US tour booked for Spring 2026. 

2025 Concert Recap: 60 Artists, 3 States, 1 Unforgettable Year (VIDEO)

This week, I am recapping my year in live music. I took photos and/or video of (almost) every show I saw this year. Over 60 different artists!